Chandigarh, April 29 — Panjab University has postponed its plan to allow only sticker-bearing vehicles on campus, citing a delay in printing the required passes.
The policy, originally scheduled for rollout on May 1, will now be reconsidered for implementation at the start of the 2025–26 academic session.
“We are not in a position to enforce the system yet, especially with printing pending for student vehicle stickers,” said Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig.
“We’ll take more time to review the policy and address other concerns before its full execution.”
A circular outlining the proposed policy was issued by PU Registrar YP Verma on April 4. As part of the preparatory steps, the university had asked for data on day scholars using private vehicles.
While these details will be retained for future implementation, stickers are currently being issued only to teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Our position on restricting outsider vehicles remains unchanged,” Verma stated.
“We are also looking at introducing one-way traffic routes in some parts of the campus to streamline movement.”
The university is also preparing to act against hostel residents who keep personal vehicles on campus, a practice already prohibited by existing rules.
Despite repeated reminders, cars—mostly SUVs—are often seen lined up near the boys’ hostels.
“We are considering fines for hostellers violating the car ban,” Verma added.
Security checks inside the university have been inconsistent in recent weeks.
After the March 28 murder of student Aditya Thakur at South Campus, PU had intensified monitoring.
However, checking has since slackened—especially in South Campus, where vehicles are rarely stopped. On North Campus, gate surveillance is not maintained throughout the day.
Several breaches continue to expose the university’s security gaps.
Some sections of the boundary wall remain unfixed or poorly monitored.
Entry points like the one near the PU gurdwara often go unchecked. People from nearby slums have also been seen scaling the campus walls or jumping gates, particularly in South Campus.
Despite these lapses, the number of outsiders inside PU has decreased, according to student representatives.
“There’s a visible difference around the AC Joshi Library. Students are finding it easier to focus without the usual disruptions,” said Avtar Singh of the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU).
However, the reduced footfall has affected several vendors.
Shops at the Students Centre, which previously benefited from outsider traffic, are witnessing losses—especially now as exam season begins.
